It's hard work trying to build a relationship back up. Both she and Frank have done so much damage to the other.
Rationally she knows addiction wasn't, isn't a choice but she still hates what it, he did to them.
Loosing control like that. They had a fucking plan.
Then she knows she did worse by throwing the divorce papers in his face. Worse still by threatening to never let him see the kids again.
One of them was an empty threat. But the look on his face haunts her every day.
So they try. He gets through rehab starts meetings goes back to the Pitt.
Dread starts to implant itself into her bones.
Despite all the therapy and date nights. Abby ignores her instincts: this is the beginning of the end.
They carry on. Make rough plans for the future. But then one day she has to bring Penny into the Pitt. One of these days that girl will listen to her mother and not bounce on the bed.
It's okay. Broken arm. They'll get through.
Then she sees it. Frank talking to someone. A female someone. Back to Abby.
The look on his face stops Abby cold. It's so soft and warm and full of life. He's laughing. That ridiculous bark of his. When was the last time he looked at her like that?
When had she last looked at him like that?
Worse still: it doesn't even hurt. Not even as the pair make their way over.
"Shilling!!" Frank instantly hopping up on the bed next to his daughter. Bouncing the bed a little. Fucker.
The blondes face frowns. Deep in thought as the joke lands.
"Penny Shilling funny!" Father and daughter both look delighted.
So that night she waits for her husband to come home. Both kids asleep. Paperwork signed and her rings on the table.
The door opens and she feels so much lighter.
